Top scientists visit UMES research farm

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – Scientists at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore yesterday hosted a group of some 50 researchers, policy makers and educators, known as the SERA-17, at its joint UMES & USDA nutrient management site.

The site is located on the UMES Research & Teaching Farm.

The group has members from the U.S. and other countries, and its mission is to develop and promote innovative solutions to minimize the release of phosphorus from agricultural lands, and in to surface waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay.

The two-hour tour of the UMES nutrient management site was part of the culmination of a four-day SERA-17 conference held on Kent Island.

Among other ideas, the group discussed possible methods in limiting the run-off of poultry-litter applied as fertilizer to fields - which scientists believe is crucial to improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay.